Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan emphasized on Monday that a United Nations Security Council resolution is essential to authorize an international stabilization force for Gaza. He stated that Turkey’s decision to participate would hinge on this critical step. Fidan highlighted that countries considering troop deployment, as part of a US-brokered deal, are eager to first understand the mission’s parameters. ‘Countries want a UN Security Council resolution that establishes the force, defines its terms, and grants it legitimacy,’ Fidan explained during a press conference in Istanbul. This followed his meetings with foreign ministers from Indonesia, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and representatives from the UAE and Qatar. Recent reports suggest Turkey is among the nations being considered for deployment, a proposal strongly opposed by the Israeli government. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan recently affirmed Ankara’s readiness to maintain the Gaza ceasefire, including potential troop deployment if necessary. Fidan stressed that participation would depend on the mission’s definition and scope, particularly its powers and rules of engagement. He also noted that countries might hesitate if the mission’s mandate conflicts with their principles. ‘We are ready to shoulder the burden for peace and make any necessary sacrifice,’ Fidan said, adding that Turkey is carefully examining the proposed framework to ensure alignment with its principles. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government is reportedly exploring alternatives, such as Azerbaijani troops, to avoid Turkish involvement. Tensions between Turkey and Israel have escalated since Israel’s military actions in Gaza began in October 2023, with Turkey imposing a trade embargo and joining a genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice.